Lloyd Webber Puts Phantom Sequel Aside For Maria

Andrew Lloyd Webber is making a last-minute dash to Canada to work with the finalists on the Canadian version of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Andrew was not due to appear live on the show until the finale on July 28th but, his overwhelming commitment to finding the perfect Maria has led him to reorganise his plans. He is setting aside work on Phantom...Once Upon Another Time, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, and will arrive in Toronto this week where he will work closely with the Marias as they prepare for the performances of their lives.

"I can't wait to get into the studio with the girls. They really need my help at this stage of the competition. It could prove disastrous if the wrong girl is picked, not only because my reputation is on the line but, because we have got to find a girl who can really do this. The public has a huge responsibility towards the winner as she has got to be able to cope with the gruelling reality of performing a demanding role week in, week out," he continued.

Andrew will join his musical supervisor Simon Lee, vocal coach Elaine Overholt and Broadway leading man John Barrowman as a special guest judge on Sunday, July 20th and will stay in Canada for the remaining three shows. Away from the cameras he will work closely with the girls before Canada decides who will take the stage in the forthcoming production of The Sound of Music at The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto.

Andrew Lloyd Webber pioneered television casting for musical theatre with the original hit BBC series of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? which went on to win an International Emmy. He repeated his success with Any Dream Will Do which cast the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has cast the musical Oliver! for the BBC this year.

To find out the latest on Canada's search for the next Maria Von Trapp visit www.cbc.ca/maria/

Photo Credit Retna Ltd.